McCullers Talks USMNT, Crew Stadium Future & More

With the Crew home opener set for Saturday, team president and general manager Mark McCullers
joined fans for an hour-long online chat on the Crew’s official website.

Crew Stadium remains in the running to host the United States-Mexico World Cup qualifier Sept.
10, but no official word has yet been given.

“I would expect an announcement soon but I also would have hoped to have announced by now,”
McCullers said. “We are pushing as hard as we can and remain confident that we will host the match.”<
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After the Crew opened the season with a 3-0 win at Chivas USA before dropping a 2-1 loss to
Vancouver, McCullers said the first two weeks left him wanting more.

“I think picking up 3 points over 2 road matches to start the season is a good result,” he said.
“Having said that, the Vancouver game is one we should not have lost, imo. My expectations are
high, as they should be, and as we saw last year - every point matters. But I think we are off to a
good start.”

The Crew acquired key offensive players Jairo Arrieta and Federico Higuain during the middle of
the 2012 season, and McCullers said similar midseason splashes are unlikely this year because the
team addressed its key priorities during the offseason.

Higuain has applied for his green card, McCullers said.

Asked about the proposed advertising marquee slated to be erected north of Crew Stadium,
McCullers said the Crew has all the necessary permits but will hold off on construction until
naming rights for the stadium are sold.

“We are having more stadium naming partner discussions and the timing seems good to push and
achieve this important objective,” he said.

As for the structure itself, the Crew remains committed to Crew Stadium for now.

“We are definitely focused on the here and now - so let me be clear on that,” he said. “Our
stadium is a historic and iconic venue - we remain committed to creating the best fan experience
here. There are a few sites that would be good choices for a new stadium but a lot of ingredients
must be in place for it to work. We are not engaged in those types of conversations now - I'm just
saying that in the near future, we need to begin considering our stadium plan.”

McCullers said there will be little in the way of upgrades in the near future.

“I have a growing list of ideas/concepts for upgrades to the stadium,” he said. “I now have a
list that would be a 'renovation' list and another that would be a 'capital improvement' list. We
invested a significant amount in upgrades like LED, concessions, graphices, etc. last year so you
won't see as much this year although there will be additional graphics elements and a few other
items.”

The Crew crest and name are not on the chopping block, but McCullers said the team is taking a
deeper look at its brand.

“We are taking a deep dive into our brand, which we continually monitor but occasionally it's
prudent to make sure that we are connecting with our market,” he said. “We are conducting
substantial research into our brand attributes and how they are perceived. Our fans drive our club
culture and as our fan demographics evolve, we must ensure that our brand resonates.”

McCullers again declined to offer a specific total but said the Crew has surpassed its 2012
season-ticket total.

“A positive sign and our forecasts indicate that we should achieve our 2013 season ticket goal
which was another ambitious growth target but an important step toward Goal 10K,” he said. “Season
ticket sales continue throughout the summer and, assuming we host USA-Mexico, we could surpass that
2013 target and be within striking distance of Goal 10k.”

Finally, the Crew remains in talks to host an international friendly against a marquee opponent
this summer at another location within the region.

“We continue to try and find a way for the Crew to play higher profile international
competition,” he said. “One way to accomplish this would be to play in a stadium with large
capacity in the region. It's a financial issue. Would love Real Madrid but this is rumor. Federico
has promised to put in a good word for us with Gonzalo!”